DLA Piper‘s commercial contracts practice stands out for its advice to the UK government, for which it is the lead legal adviser, utilising its ’strong understanding of the requirements of public sector contracting’. The group is also notable for its ability to advise on contracts involving such elements as ESG and data protection; Mark Dewar, who heads the sizeable team, is an expert in the ESG field. Day-to-day work includes assisting with outsourcing and restructuring agreements, for which Chloe Forster is a key name to call upon. Sophie Lessar and Christian Keogh are go-to contacts in the technology and telecoms sectors, respectively, two areas on which the wider group focuses. Anthony Day is particularly skilled in advising on outsourcing contracts, while Chris Rennie advises on supply chain, logistics, IT and BPO arrangements.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'Fantastic public sector experience. DLA Piper have a strong understanding of the requirements of public sector contracting, and one of their strengths is drafting in collaboration with the customer. The people in the company are able to explain complex conditions to the customer, and make sure that these are suitable for operating complex commercial arrangements.'
- 'The people are both personable and very knowledgeable. They were the best I have dealt with in making sure that the customer understands the drafting, and that it is pragmatic.'
- 'Extremely commercially minded advisors, able to suggest pragmatic, practical solutions to negotiation roadblocks.'
- 'Sophie Lessar is really knowledgeable in the payment processing sector, and able to provide really practical advice, especially when she is required to operate within tight margins.'
Key clients
- Arvato Group
- Duracell
- UK Government – most UK departments including MoD and DCMS
- Unilever
- Superdry Plc
- University of Sheffield
- Molson Coors Brewing Company
- Jet 2
- Merlin Entertainment
- Anthony Nolan Trust
- DPD Group Limited
- Genesis Cancer Care
- Wickes Building Supplies Limited
- The Hut Group
Work highlights
- Advising Jet 2 on a groundbreaking initiative to transform its in-flight retail program by streamlining its supply chain and insourcing end-to-end operations, a move unprecedented in the airline industry.
- Assisted Moore & Moore with a significant collaboration with NexGen Cloud, an elite partner in the NVIDIA Partner Network.
- Advised IVC Acquisition Limited on drafting several interconnected commercial contracts, including a template wholesale agreement for the supply of veterinary medicines across EU jurisdictions.
Lawyers
Hall of Fame
The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Chris Rennie
DLA PiperNext Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Chloe Forster
DLA PiperSophie Lessar
DLA PiperPractice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Mark Dewar